The Verge reported that Microsoft showed an upgrade to its Copilot AI system at a Windows and Surface event on 7 October 2026. The upgrade gives Copilot access to local files on a PC and lets it take actions across the operating system. Microsoft calls the idea Hybrid Intelligence: apps and tools use a mix of local and cloud AI models. In a video demo, Jacob Andreou, Microsoft's EVP of Copilot, asked an AI agent called Autopilot to help with taxes. It searched several folders, renamed the files, zipped them, and drafted an email to his accountant with the zip attached.
Andreou said Hybrid Intelligence features will reach Copilot over the "next couple months." Microsoft also showed a new Windows search experience for quick actions, such as turning on dark mode, changing mic volume with a slider, or sending a text. Pavan Davuluri, who leads Windows and Surface, said it will come to Windows 11 PCs starting this fall. The Verge's report does not say which files or folders Copilot can reach, what permissions users must grant, or which tasks run locally and which in the cloud. It gives no exact release dates, and it does not mention pricing or which devices are supported.
For people who run or buy software, this shows Microsoft building an AI agent that works on local files and takes actions in Windows. Teams that manage Windows PCs may want to learn what access these features need once Microsoft shares details.